Project by

About this project

What's Donna/Madonna?

Why, it's my autobiographical one-man show! It's the tale of how I wanted to be the perfect son for my adopted mom: a doting, delicate Catholic housewife from Scranton, PA. But realizing I'll never be the ideal local boy, I sought answers from a very different source: my fashion-writing, married-to-a-British-pop-star birth mother.

Donna/Madonna is a story of motherly love, finding acceptance, and when not to dress as Carol Channing. It's got laughs, it's got music, and it's got me doing hilarious characters. But most of all, it points out that sometimes you have to meet a “Material Girl” to truly appreciate “America’s Sweetheart.”

Fun! So What Now?

After a successful workshop production in August and award-winning festival appearance in November, Donna/Madonna will make its official Los Angeles premiere on July 6 at Hollywood's Lounge Theatre for 12 performances, followed by a run at the New York Fringe Festival in August and the San Francisco Fringe Festival in September! I want to introduce my story to a whole new audience, get some (hopefully good) press and start to build a reputation for this show that will get it traveling around the rest of the country!

And You Need $5000 To Do That?

And how! In order to make this show a success, I need to hire a great PR and marketing team that will get the word out to the masses. Sure, I can run around town with postcards and blast friends on facebook and pull bums off the street (I will do all these things), but I need serious cash to hire the best, making sure the press takes notice and houses are filled night after night. Not to mention, it will take more than my trusty Hyundai to get to New York and San Fran!

Give It To Me Straight

Ok! To be honest, this is more than just fulfilling my dream to be the center of attention for as long as possible. My show originated as a love letter to my two mothers. But in talking to the many friends and strangers who have seen it, it's become a greater story... one of adoption, of coming out, but even more importantly, a story of finding acceptance from those you love most. It's a message that translates to everyone, and I want to bring it to as many big cities and small towns as I can.

Additionally, Donna/Madonna has made me realize how blessed I am to have the family I do. Not every kid is lucky enough to have one loving mother, let alone two. And if that doesn't sound like a call to action, I don't know what is. So, I'm donating a portion of my proceeds this year to an organization (TBD) that helps children find a home that will give them the safety and love that I was fortunate enough to find.

If you think about it, if this project goes well, your donation to my Kickstarter will end up benefiting kids! I can't make a case better than that.

FAQ

Rewards

Pledge $1 or more

Frequent updates on the project and remembrance in all my mom's prayers. Value? Priceless.

You selected

Pledge $10 or more

15 backers

The above, plus a handwritten "Donna/Madonna"-branded thank you card from me!

You selected

Pledge $25 or more

23 backers

The above plus a limited-edition signed "Donna/Madonna" poster and recognition in the program.

You selected

Pledge $50 or more

12 backers

The above plus a complete collection of my mom's cookie recipes (including a few not seen in the videos!), perfect for becoming a bonified baking master!

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

10 backers

The above plus two tickets to the LA production of "Donna/Madonna" and a fancy brass brad-bound (say that a few times) signed copy of the script, recognition in the program as a "Mother Funder" and admission for two to the opening night VIP reception!

You selected

Pledge $200 or more

5 backers

Forget baking yourself! This includes all of the above plus a variety selection of 12 of mom's freshly-baked cookies (baked by me... I'm not enslaving her), recognition in the program as a "Director" and two additional tickets to the show.

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

0 backers

Delicious! All of the above plus an ADDITIONAL dozen of cookies (your choice!) in a basket arranged with Scranton, PA's finest treats and a DVD of the original production of "Donna/Madonna!" You'll also be recognized in the program and on the "Donna/Madonna" website as a "Producer."

You selected

Pledge $1,000 or more

1 backer

All of the above plus a mama-style homecooked meal for 4 at your house* (I can't reveal the menu, but let's just say my lasagna is LEGENDARY). You'll also be recognized in the program, on the website and on the poster as an "Executive Producer." *LA, SF, NY or Scranton-area only (until I visit other cities!).

Funding period

May 5, 2011 - Jun 4, 2011
(30 days)

Eureka! You've found our little secret.

Sign up for our Happening email for all the inside info about arts and culture in the Kickstarter universe and beyond.